Major CBS project now in full swing in Wexford town

Work on the new CBS schools is well under way, with the project now set to be complete within 18 months.

The €11m construction project, which began on July 27, consists of two extensions to CBS Primary School and Coláiste Eamon Rís Wexford (CBS Secondary School) which will link the two buildings together. Cllr. George Lawlor welcomed the launch of the project, saying that people have been campaigning for such a change for decades.

'A huge amount of work has gone on in the background to ensure that this project got to where it is at now,' he said. 'Once complete, it will be a major addition to the educational structure within Wexford town.'

The work is being carried out by local contractors, Mythen Construction, who, according to Cllr. Lawlor are currently on target to meet the planned date of completion.

'It is a great bonus to have a local company carrying out the work,' he added.

The construction work will be carried out in phases in order to allow the schools to remain in full operation. Cllr. Lawlor is confident that the building will not cause any disturbance to the students.

'The builders have been liaising with the schools to ensure that this will be possible,' he added.

Contracts for the new CBS schools in Wexford were signed on July 13, with former pupil and Minister for Expenditure Brendan Howlin turning the sod. At present, the schools occupy a single school campus in Wexford town, incorporating a series of buildings built at different times.

The project is being funded by the Department of Education and Skills and will see the primary school extended to 2,099 metres square, while Coláiste Eamon Rís will be 6.223 metres square.

It also will comprise of alterations and upgrades to the existing buildings. A new PE Hall with a fitness suite and seven new ball courts will be built close to the playing pitch.

The project is due to be complete by early 2017. According to Cllr. Lawlor, it will be a great addition to the school.

'CBS need the best facilities to ensure that they keep up to their high standard of education,' he said.